Repentance

There are three Greek words used in the New Testament to denote repentance.

The verb metamelomai is used of a change of mind, such as to produce regret or even remorse on account of sin, but not necessarily a change of heart. This word is used with reference to the repentance of Judas (Matthew 27:3).

Metanoeo, meaning to change one’s mind and purpose, as the result of after knowledge. This verb, with…

the cognate noun metanoia, is used of true repentance, a change of mind and purpose and life, to which remission of sin is promised.

Thus he apprehends himself to be just what God has always seen him to be and declares him to be. But repentance comprehends not only such a sense of sin, but also an apprehension of mercy, without which there can be no true repentance (Psalms 51:1; 130:4).